Colorado 2025 Bills

Changes to Wildfire Resiliency Code Board

Senate Bill 25-142 extends the time given to local governments in areas at risk of wildfires to adopt new safety codes from 3 months to 9 months after these codes are set by a wildfire resiliency board. It also allows these local governments to work with other entities, like contractors or neighboring towns, to enforce these wildfire safety standards. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the changes it proposes are now in effect for communities dealing with wildfire risks.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Grocery & Utility Bill Reduction Measures

Senate Bill 25-139, titled "Grocery & Utility Bill Reduction Measures," is a Colorado law that has been signed into effect. It primarily removes various fees and standards previously established by earlier bills, such as eliminating charges for paper grocery bags, reducing waste diversion fees, and removing restrictions on egg-laying hen confinement. Additionally, it includes nuclear energy in the state's definition of clean energy. This bill affects consumers, local governments, and businesses that deal with utilities, groceries, and agricultural products. Since it has been signed into law, these changes are now in effect, meaning affected parties no longer have to comply with certain fees or standards previously mandated by Colorado laws.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Greenhouse Gas Credits for Water Quality Projects

Senate Bill 25-137, also known as "Greenhouse Gas Credits for Water Quality Projects," allows owners or operators of water quality projects to sell greenhouse gas credits they generate through their work. These credits can be traded in a program established by the Air Quality Control Commission. To participate, project owners must have an independent auditor certify the credits before selling them. The Department of Public Health and Environment will oversee these transactions and allow regulated facilities to buy these credits to meet their own greenhouse gas reduction goals. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and being implemented in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Municipal Government Exemption from Energy Code Requirements

Senate Bill 25-141 exempts small towns with fewer than 2,500 residents from having to follow energy codes for residential buildings. This means that these smaller municipalities won't be required to enforce new rules about energy efficiency in homes after July 1, 2023. The bill has been signed into law, so it is now official and will affect how these towns manage building regulations.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Spirituous Liquor Manufacturer Tastings Conducted

Senate Bill 25-132 allows Colorado spirit manufacturers to conduct tastings of both their own and other alcohol beverages they acquire from licensed wholesalers. The bill also permits these tastings at up to five approved sales room locations in addition to the manufacturer's premises. Manufacturers must apply for a permit, post it publicly, and serve food if selling beverages from wholesalers. They are limited to having no more than 50% of their alcohol beverage sales proceeds come from these wholesaler-acquired drinks. The bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Colorado Government Efficiency Authority

Senate Bill 25-135, also known as the Colorado Government Efficiency Authority bill, establishes a new board tasked with improving how state money and resources are used in Colorado. The board includes representatives from various sectors like business, energy, healthcare, and transportation who will look at all state-funded agencies to find ways to save costs and improve services. This authority can accept donations and federal funds to operate independently of the state budget. Since the bill has been signed into law, it means that this new authority is now officially in place and can start its work on enhancing government efficiency across Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Fingerprint-Based Criminal History Record Checks

Senate Bill 25-146 allows licensing bodies for various health and professional occupations in Colorado to require applicants to undergo fingerprint-based criminal background checks. This applies to professions like audiology, midwifery, dentistry, counseling, and more. Applicants must pay for these checks themselves if required. If the initial check shows an arrest without a final outcome, they may need to do additional name-based checks. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these requirements are now in effect for licensing processes.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Legislation Inside Advisory Council

Senate Bill 25-155 establishes an advisory council focused on issues related to people who are incarcerated. The council will work with a nonprofit organization to identify problems and make recommendations to the state legislature about how to address them. It requires the council to report its findings during annual meetings starting in January 2027, and it sets up a smaller review committee to suggest new bills based on the council's advice. Since the bill has been signed into law, these measures are now official policy in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Local Government Duties Equestrian Protections

Senate Bill 25-149, also known as the "Local Government Duties Equestrian Protections" bill, aims to protect and support equestrians in suburban or urban areas by defining specific zones where horses are commonly used. It allows cities and counties to build necessary infrastructure like horse crossings and parking for trailers, install signs, and create maps showing important equestrian locations. The bill also encourages education about equestrian safety through driver's education programs and public events. Since the governor has signed this bill into law, local governments can now start implementing these protections for equestrians in their communities.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Change Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Prog

Senate Bill 25-144 updates Colorado's paid family and medical leave program by extending the leave duration for parents whose newborns are in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) up to an additional 12 weeks. The bill also adjusts how much employers pay into the program, setting the premium rate at 0.9% of wages through 2025 and then reducing it slightly to 0.88% starting in 2026, with future rates determined by the director of the family and medical leave insurance division. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its changes are now official and will be implemented as described.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Health-Care Practitioner Identification Requirements

Senate Bill 25-152, known as the "Know Your Health-Care Practitioner Act," requires health-care practitioners in Colorado to clearly identify their professional credentials when advertising services or interacting with patients starting June 1, 2026. This includes displaying identification tags during patient encounters and verbally communicating their specific license details at the first meeting with a new patient. The law does not apply to those working in non-patient care settings or under certain emergency conditions. Practitioners who violate these rules can face fines up to $500. Since the bill has been signed into law, it will go into effect as scheduled unless further actions are taken by regulatory agencies.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Colorado Voidable Transactions Act

Senate Bill 25-133, known as the Colorado Voidable Transactions Act, updates and renames existing laws about fraudulent transactions in Colorado. It changes how these transactions are referred to and aligns state law with national standards for dealing with such issues. The bill also clarifies who has the burden of proof in legal disputes over these transactions and which laws apply based on where a debtor is located. Since it has been signed into law, this act will now affect anyone involved in financial transactions that could be considered fraudulent or voidable under Colorado’s new standards.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Providing Emergency Medical Services

Senate Bill 25-130, which has been signed into law in Colorado, ensures that hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and other health-care facilities must provide emergency medical services to anyone who requests them or is referred for such care. The bill requires these facilities to log whether treatment was given, refused, or not needed, and it prohibits them from denying care based on discriminatory reasons, the patient's ability to pay, or transferring a patient unless certain conditions are met. This law aims to protect patients by preventing hospitals from penalizing healthcare providers who refuse to transfer unstable emergency patients and ensures that no one is turned away due to discrimination or inability to pay.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Expand Deduction For Retirement Benefits

Senate Bill 25-136 expands tax deductions for retirement benefits in Colorado. Currently, individuals aged 65 and older can deduct their Social Security benefits from state taxable income. Starting January 1, 2025, those aged 55 and older with an adjusted gross income below $75,000 (or $95,000 for joint filers) will also be eligible for this deduction. From 2026 onwards, all individuals can deduct their entire pension or annuity income from state taxable income without any age or income restrictions. The bill has been signed into law and is now in effect according to its outlined phases.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Public School Financial Reporting Requirements

Senate Bill 25-153 requires Colorado school districts to publicly report more detailed financial information online starting July 1, 2027. This includes additional details on marketing, student recruitment, lobbying activities, contractor payments, and revenue sources for both the district and its traditional public schools. The bill affects all school districts in Colorado and aims to provide greater transparency about how educational funds are being used. Since it has been signed into law, these new reporting requirements will go into effect as scheduled.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Uniform Guardianship & Conservatorship Act

Senate Bill 25-134, also known as the Uniform Guardianship & Conservatorship Act, updates Colorado’s laws regarding guardianships and conservatorships. It replaces an older act with a new one that focuses on providing clearer guidance for those appointed to make decisions for others who can't manage their own affairs. The bill aims to protect vulnerable individuals by ensuring less restrictive alternatives are used when possible and by expanding the rights of people under guardianship or conservatorship, such as allowing them more communication and visitation with friends and family. It also includes measures to prevent exploitation and ensure that full guardianships or conservatorships are only imposed when necessary. Since this bill has been signed into law, it means these new rules and protections will now be in effect in Colorado, impacting anyone involved in or affected by guardianship or conservatorship proceedings.

Last action: 2025-02-05 · Senate

Extending Organ & Tissue Donation Fund

Senate Bill 25-122, also known as the Emily Keyes - John W. Buckner organ and tissue donation awareness fund extension, aims to continue funding efforts that raise awareness about organ and tissue donations in Colorado indefinitely. This bill affects individuals involved in organ and tissue donation programs and those who benefit from public awareness campaigns about these programs. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now active and its provisions are being implemented to support ongoing education and promotion of organ and tissue donation across the state.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Nuclear Workforce Development & Education Program

Senate Bill 25-120, which has been signed into law, establishes a program aimed at developing and expanding nuclear engineering education in Colorado. This initiative will help meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the nuclear energy sector by providing grants to educational institutions for new or expanded degree programs and courses. The program is funded through donations, grants, and gifts rather than state funds, and it won't start awarding grants until at least $500,000 has been raised. This means that colleges and universities in Colorado will be able to offer more opportunities for students interested in nuclear engineering once the funding threshold is met.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Measures to Modify the Department of Early Childhood

Senate Bill 25-119 changes how early childhood programs in Colorado are managed. It takes away the executive director's power to make rules and gives that responsibility to a new State Board of Early Childhood Services. The bill also ends local coordinating organizations' role in the universal preschool program by June 1, 2026, but they will still help families with early childhood support services. Additionally, it requires the department to provide funding to preschool providers before services are given, based on enrollment numbers, and mandates that rules for teacher-to-child ratios be aligned with state licensing standards rather than national best practices. Since the bill has been signed, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Education Curriculum on Genocide Against Native Americans

Senate Bill 25-123 requires public schools in Colorado to include the genocide of Native Americans, including events like the Sand Creek massacre and the history of Native American residential and boarding schools in Colorado, as part of their existing Holocaust and genocide studies curriculum. This bill affects students and educators in Colorado's public school system by mandating more comprehensive education on historical injustices against Native Americans. Since the bill has been signed into law, it is now official policy that schools must update their curricula to include this content.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Health Insurance Prenatal Care No Cost Sharing

Senate Bill 25-118, which has been signed into law, mandates that health insurance policies offering maternity coverage must cover up to three prenatal care visits without any out-of-pocket costs for the policyholders starting January 1, 2027. This means that pregnant individuals will not have to pay deductibles or copayments for these specific visits. The bill affects anyone with a health insurance plan that includes maternity benefits and ensures they receive free prenatal care up to three times before their due date.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Reduce Transportation Costs Imposed by Government

Senate Bill 25-117 aims to reduce transportation costs by eliminating several fees starting July 1, 2025. These include road usage and bridge/tunnel impact fees on gasoline purchases, rental car fees, car share ride fees, and waste tire management fees on new tires. However, the bill also requires a new program to provide rebates for reformulated gasoline costs in certain counties by January 1, 2026. Since the bill has been signed into law, these changes will take effect as scheduled unless further action is taken.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Lobbying by Nonprofit Entities

House Bill 25-1170 in Colorado creates a new category of lobbyist called "nonprofit lobbyists." These lobbyists, who work exclusively for one nonprofit organization and lobby as part of their regular duties, are exempt from the usual registration and disclosure requirements that professional lobbyists must follow. However, nonprofits using these lobbyists must report to the state within 72 hours any lobbying activities conducted by their employees, including details about which bills were discussed and whether they were supported or opposed. This bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official legislation in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · House

Condemnation of January 6 Insurrection Pardons

SJR 25-006 is a bill that condemns the pardons given by former President Trump to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. This resolution expresses disapproval and does not have the force of law but serves as a statement from Colorado's legislature. Since it has been signed, it signifies that the Colorado state government officially rejects these pardons and views them negatively.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Spousal Maintenance Guidelines

Senate Bill 25-116 updates Colorado's laws regarding divorce and legal separation by extending the period during which restraining orders must be disclosed from two years to five years before a petition is filed. Additionally, it requires courts considering spousal maintenance to take into account any history of domestic violence or abuse between spouses when making decisions. This bill has been signed into law, meaning its provisions are now in effect and will impact how divorce proceedings handle restraining orders and spousal maintenance determinations.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Medicaid Reimbursement for Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Senate Bill 25-121, which has been signed into law, aims to help people with drug-resistant epilepsy by allowing Medicaid to cover part of the cost for a treatment called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). Starting in July 2025, Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy and Financing will seek federal approval to reimburse hospitals and surgery centers that provide VNS therapy. Initially, they will pay 60% of the device's cost, increasing to 75% by January 1, 2029. This means that people who need this treatment but can't afford it out-of-pocket may get financial help from Medicaid starting in a few years.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Reducing Costs of Health Care for Patients

Senate Bill 25-124, titled "Reducing Costs of Health Care for Patients," requires nonprofit hospitals to use profits from a federal drug pricing program called 340B to lower out-of-pocket costs for low-income patients. The bill also mandates that these hospitals report how they spend the money and provide more charity care. It allows certain small rural hospitals unrestricted access to drugs under this program. Since the bill has been signed, it is now law and hospitals must comply with its requirements.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · Senate

Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land

House Bill 25-1169, which has been signed into law, allows residential developments on certain faith-based and educational properties starting December 31, 2026. The bill requires these developments to meet affordability standards and ensures that local jurisdictions cannot impose stricter height or density restrictions compared to other similar housing projects in the area. It also permits additional uses like childcare and community services within these developments, provided they follow specific guidelines. This law affects faith-based organizations, school districts, and state colleges or universities by requiring them to notify county assessors when a residential development is approved on their property.

Last action: 2025-02-04 · House

Mid-Year Adjustments to School Funding

Senate Bill 25-113, which has been signed into law, addresses changes in school funding for the 2024-25 budget year. It acknowledges that there are more students than expected and less local property tax revenue available, leading to a need for additional state funds. To help schools, it increases the state's contribution by $64 million to cover these unexpected costs. This bill affects school districts across Colorado and ensures they have adequate funding despite lower-than-expected local revenues.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Geologic Storage Enterprise & Geothermal Resources

House Bill 25-1165, which has been signed into law in Colorado, establishes a new program called the Geologic Storage Stewardship Enterprise within the Department of Natural Resources. This program will collect annual fees from companies that inject carbon dioxide underground for storage, using these funds to manage and clean up abandoned or orphaned sites if necessary. The bill also updates regulations related to geothermal energy operations, making it easier for some types of geothermal projects to proceed without state permits while ensuring oversight for others. This law affects businesses involved in carbon capture and storage as well as those working with geothermal resources, aiming to ensure long-term environmental safety and regulatory compliance.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · House

Department of Local Affairs Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-100 amends Colorado's budget for the Department of Local Affairs, increasing its funding from various sources including the general fund and federal funds. This bill has been signed into law, meaning that the department will receive more money to support local communities across the state. The increased funding will help the department carry out its programs and initiatives aimed at assisting cities, counties, and other local entities.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Human Services Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-095, which has been signed into law, adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Human Services. It reduces funding from the general fund and federal sources but increases cash funds and reappropriated money available to the department. This bill affects how the Department of Human Services allocates its resources and manages its budget. Since it is signed, these changes are now in effect and being implemented by the department.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Governor, Lt. Governor, and Office of State Planning & Budgeting Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-092, which has been signed into law, adjusts the budget for the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, and state planning and budgeting. The bill increases funding from the general fund while decreasing reappropriated funds. This affects how these government offices are financed and ensures they have balanced budgets for their operations in 2024. Since it has been signed, the changes outlined in the bill are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Judicial Department Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-096 adjusts the budget for Colorado's judicial system by increasing funding from the general fund, cash funds, and reappropriated funds. This bill also modifies an existing law related to reducing the competency wait list and creating a wraparound care program, adjusting the amount of money allocated to these initiatives. The bill has been signed into law, meaning it is now official state policy and the increased funding for the judicial department and related programs will be implemented.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Law Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-098, which has been signed into law, adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Law. It increases funding from the general fund, cash funds, and federal sources while decreasing reappropriated funds. This change affects how the department is funded and operates. Since it has been signed, the bill is now law and the adjustments to the Department of Law’s budget are in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Constitutional Carry of Handgun

House Bill 25-1164, also known as the Constitutional Carry of Handgun bill, allows people who are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a handgun to carry a concealed weapon without needing a permit. This means that those carrying a concealed handgun without a permit have the same rights and responsibilities as those with a permit. The bill also changes the age requirement for obtaining a permit from 21 to 18, makes permits valid for life instead of five years, and removes local government authority to regulate how handguns are carried (either openly or concealed). Since the status is "signed," this means that the governor has approved the bill, making its provisions law.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · House

Legislative Department Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-099, which has been signed into law, adjusts and increases funding for the Department of Legislature in Colorado. Specifically, it modifies the state's budget to provide more money from the general fund to support legislative operations. This bill affects how the state legislature is funded and ensures they have adequate resources to carry out their duties. Since it has been signed, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Dept of Education Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-091 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Education by reducing the amount of money allocated from the general fund, cash funds, and reappropriated funds. This means that less money will be available for educational programs and initiatives managed by the department. The bill has been signed into law, so these funding cuts are now in effect for the 2024 fiscal year.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Housing Protections for Victim-Survivors

House Bill 25-1168, known as "Housing Protections for Victim-Survivors," expands protections for tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual behavior, or stalking. It requires landlords to offer repayment plans and forbids them from assigning debts to third-party collectors without proper notice and documentation. The bill also ensures that victim-survivors can change locks on their homes without facing penalties or retaliation from their landlord. Signed into law, this means the protections are now enforceable, offering more security and support for those affected by domestic abuse and other forms of violence.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · House

Alternative Education Campuses

House Bill 25-1167, also known as the Alternative Education Campuses Act, aims to support alternative education settings in Colorado. The bill gives priority funding to these schools when they apply for state grants and allows them to include high-risk students up to age 21 in their enrollment counts. It also requires the Department of Education to publish an annual report on student trends at AECs and ensures that a drop in enrollment won't cause a school to lose its alternative designation. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these provisions are now active and will affect how alternative education campuses operate and receive funding in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · House

Department of Health Care Policy & Financing Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-093 adjusts the budget for Colorado's Department of Health Care Policy and Financing by increasing funding from various sources like the general fund, cash funds, and federal funds while decreasing reappropriated funds. It also adds new money to cover any overspending that occurred in the previous year. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now official and will affect how the department manages its budget going forward.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Seedling Tree Nursery Spending Authority Extension

Senate Bill 25-115, titled "Seedling Tree Nursery Spending Authority Extension," extends the period during which money can be spent on renovating and expanding a seedling tree nursery within the Colorado State University system. The bill allows for this spending authority to continue through the fiscal year ending in June 2027. Since it has been signed into law, the funds will now be available for use as intended by the state forest service until that time. This affects the operations and budget of the nursery and related forestry efforts in Colorado.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Repeal of the FLEX Program

Senate Bill 25-114 ends the Financial Literacy and Exchange (FLEX) program in Colorado. On June 30, 2025, any remaining money from the FLEX fund will be moved into the state's general fund, and the program itself will cease to operate on July 1, 2025. This affects anyone who benefits from or contributes to the FLEX program. Since the bill has been signed, the FLEX program is set to end as scheduled unless there are changes made before these dates.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Revenue Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-107 amends the budget for Colorado's Department of Revenue, reducing its cash funds allocation. It also adjusts funding for improvements to the state’s electronic sales and use tax system. The bill has been signed into law, meaning the changes to the department's budget are now official. This affects how the Department of Revenue can spend money on various projects and initiatives in the 2024-25 fiscal year.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Capital Construction Information Technology Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-112, which has been signed into law, provides additional funding for technology projects related to capital construction in Colorado. This means more money will be available for upgrading or building new IT systems that support large construction initiatives. The bill affects government agencies and contractors involved in major construction projects within the state. Since it is now signed, the funding can start being used according to the provisions of the bill.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Treasury Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-110, which has been signed into law, provides additional funding to Colorado's Department of Treasury. This extra money is intended to support the department’s operations and initiatives. The bill affects the state government by ensuring that the treasury department has the necessary resources to carry out its duties effectively. Since it has been signed, the supplemental appropriations are now in effect, meaning the department can start using this additional funding immediately.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Regulatory Agencies Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-106, which has been signed into law, adjusts the budget for the Department of Regulatory Agencies in Colorado. It increases funding from both the general fund and cash funds to support the department's operations. This bill affects how the Department of Regulatory Agencies is funded and ensures it has adequate resources to carry out its regulatory functions. Since the bill has been signed, these financial adjustments are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Personnel Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-103, which has been signed into law, adjusts how money is allocated to the Colorado Department of Personnel for fiscal year 2024. It increases the amount of funding from the general fund and cash funds while reducing previously reappropriated funds. This bill affects the department's budget and ensures it has the necessary resources to operate effectively. Since it has been signed, these changes are now in effect.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Transportation Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-109, which has been signed into law, provides additional funding to the Colorado Department of Transportation. This extra money will help the department with its various projects and operations. The bill affects anyone who uses or relies on state roads and transportation services in Colorado. Since it is signed, the supplemental appropriations are now official, meaning the DOT can start using this new funding for its needs.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate

Department of Public Health & Environment Supplemental

Senate Bill 25-104 adjusts how Colorado allocates money to its Department of Public Health and Environment. It reduces the amount coming from the general fund but increases cash funds and reappropriated funds for the department. This bill has been signed into law, meaning the changes in funding allocation are now official. The impact is on the state's budget management and the operational resources available to the health and environment department.

Last action: 2025-02-03 · Senate